60's Relived Spy Music"
author: Gale Whitmire
"...mission: to save the world from dull, soulless music. Their weapons of choice: 12 rump-shaking surf-spy instrumental groovers."
OUTSTANDING INSTRUMENTAL GROOVERS TO THE RESCUE.
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...an abundance of organ and that it's nice and high in the mix
author: Garage & Beat
There certainly isn't enough spy themed instrumental music in this world. Thankfully, there are a few bands working diligently to rectify that sad scenario. The Special Agents recorded this baker's dozen of slinky tunes for Hammondbeat so it should come as no surprise to anyone that there is an abundance of organ and that it's nice and high in the mix. The only other instruments listed are guitar, bass and drums, but there are plenty of synth atmospherics and between song novelty hoopla. There are some edge-of-your-seat suspense moments throughout, that bring to mind 007 sneaking through enemy territory with a few too many trigger-happy goons afoot, but a lot of the music is pretty carefree and upbeat. I guess spies have to take vacations too.
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This is a triumphant full debut for the Special Agents
author: Alan Taylor
We have followed the development of UK team The Special Agents from their initial incarnation as a guitar three-piece through to a full-blown Hammond plus guitar outfit. This is their first full-length album and is released by Hammondbeat, a USA-based label dedicated to the organ sound.
Alongside new material, Bulletproof Beat also pulls in the essential tracks from their earlier EP-CDs. From the first, Her Majesty's Secret Surfers, we get The Lunar Sea and it was on this recording that they introduced organ to the mix. It's full of atmosphere with its spooky keyboards, slow and moody spacey feel and staccato punctuations - wonderful stuff. The permanent inclusion of Hammond on their next outing, Soul Agent, gave them a very 1965-66 Booker T & the MGs sound on the title track, a fine piece that would sit comfortably on their albums of that era. From the same release Death Probe explores a spacier sound with the help of a few suitable effects and a driving beat. From Double-0-Surfin' the title track has plenty of drive and a tasty arrangement, the melody leaning heavily on Hawaii-5-0 with guitarist Agent Geoff doubling on organ and taking the lead with it for the riffing Cast Your Spell.
With the recruitment of Agent Rod on guitars, Geoff no longer needs to lead that double life and their new numbers have the benefit of being worked up by two front men. They have also used a bit of quality control on their material, augmenting Geoff's originals with a few obscure covers. The thunderous opener A Spy in the Ointment is gone in a flash, overtaken by the expansive organ swells of Our Man on Mars and an 'out of the ether' theme Calling All Agents with its great organ stabs and chunky guitar chords - love it. The two two-minute gems Come in Agent 45 and Do the Wiggle have some '60s guitar references, including an attractive jangle, while big echo spy guitar takes the lead on Shufty.
This is essential stuff for anyone into the great sounds of the Hammond, especially when it's so juicily seasoned with guitar, and also anyone with a taste for '60s spy themes. This is a triumphant full debut for the Special Agents.
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Reverential nod to past dance floor groovers. Wonderful stuff.
author: Phil Suggitt
Instrumental combos have had a low UK profile in recent years. At one time there seemed to be scores of them, and they all had a record out on Sir Bald Diddley's Alopecia label. Where did they all go? Sheffield's Special Agents have been quietly toiling away for years, with the odd single here, a track on a comp there. This experience has done them good, because their first full length album is easily the best instro album I have heard in years.
The record label isn't called Hammond Beat for nothing. There are great swathes of organ from Agent Geoff Russell, particularly on 'Our Man On Mars', 'Calling all Agents' and 'Cast Your Spell'. Subtle it ain't, but then, the best instro music isn't subtle, following the rule 'if you've got a good riff or neat lick, play it lots of times; if it's a real killer, push it as high in the mix as you can'.
The guitar based tunes are no slouches either. 'Shufty' by guitarist Rod Aiken is a wonderful tribute to the John Barry Seven and Vic Flick in particular. Organ and guitar unite to make 'Soul Agent' a reverential nod to past dance floor groovers. Wonderful stuff.
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